Kerry Group to consider using smaller lorries

December 1991

PROOF can be provided that Kerry Group bulk milk carriers are causing a lot of damage to Kerry roads, County Engineer Colm Kennelly said this week.

And Kerry Group is now to consider using smaller lorries on some routes following a request from Kerry County Council that they do so.

County Engineer, Colm Kennelly, said the new bulk collection system employed by Kerry Group in the county is doing a lot of damage to county roads and he said he could prove it if necessary.

Mr Kennelly said that loads of up to 5,000 gallons are being carried by Kerry Group milk carriers on roads that were never designed for such loads. He said the problem is being exacerbated by poor drainage on roads resulting from ruts cut in them by the large trucks.

“The is no doubt that the lorries are causing an awful lot of damage,” he added. ‘ The Council asked Kerry Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Frank Hayes that Kerry Group consider using smaller trucks and Kerry Group is to write to the council saying they will consider the points made by the council while they undertake their current restructuring programme.

However, Cllr PJ Cronin who proposed the motion passed by the council asking Kerry Group to use smaller trucks was annoyed this week that Kerry Group had not responded to the council since they received the request two months ago.

Former Kerry Group director, Cllr Dan Barry, said he is bitterly disappointed that the publicly quoted company did not even reply to the Council’s letter.

Kerry Group Corporate Affairs Director, Frank Hayes, apologised for the delay in replying to the council but said that it was receiving their attention.

“Our agricultural division is currently pursuing a restructuring programme which will take into account the needs of our farmers in terms of milk asembly and also the points made through correspondence to us by Kerry County Council.”